The "Duerer"

by Gereg Jones Muller
(Felton, California)

I lucked into an A&A "Duerer" longsword recently, as part of a trade deal. It handles like a dream and cuts like a cold wind. Although I usually prefer a stiffer blade, something with more authority in the parry, the quality of the steel here is such that it cuts with the authority of a much heavier blade. The tip may wobble a bit in a circular swing, but in the cut itself, the blade is remarkably stable. Not a sword I'd want to punch through a car hood, but the tough-rinded Chile de Coyote melons I've been practising on ...just come apart like oranges.

Pressed against a board, the blade flexes wider than the requirements of the British Army flex test, and returns effortlessly to true.
The finish is bright enough to watch television in, and the hammer marks are clean and subtle, adding a pleasing visual texture without - somehow - marring the mirror quality of the piece.
Described as a war sword, I would nevertheless be very reluctant to take this excellent sword into combat against armour. As a duelling or travelling weapon, however, it is lightweight, durable, sharp and quick.